Watch the thousands

Whenever I read about the cancellation of eighth-grade graduation ceremonies, I think back to when I was promoted from eighth grade to grade nine back in 1938.

I lived on a farm in central Michigan and attended a one-room country school, that had one teacher for eight grades.

On the last day of school, the teacher passed out our report cards indicating our final grades for the year. My report also notified me that I was promoted to the ninth grade.

I would attend high school in a nearby village the following fall. I don't recall any of the graduates being upset because there was no ceremony involved.

I might add, I have two sons who are now in their 60s. They did not have any eighth-grade ceremonies. Both went on to high school and college with no ill effects.

What disturbs me regarding the decision to eliminate the eighth-grade graduation ceremonies is the reaction of many of the parents. Instead of fighting the school district's decision, they should be explaining the current shortage of funds and the need to cut back on expenses.

I know that the savings are only $40,000 dollars, but $40,000 here and $40,000 there adds up. Pretty soon, we are talking real money.

There is an old saying: "Watch the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves." Maybe we should upgrade it to, "Watch the thousands, and the millions will take care of themselves."